Reds make one change for Jaguares

Queensland’s Reds have named a team with one change to play the Jaguares at Estadio Jose Amalfitani in Buenos Aires this weekend.

The only change to the team that defeated the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium last week is Angus Scott-Young coming into the side to earn his first start in Super Rugby.

Angus, the 20-year-old son of former Wallabies back rower Sam, made his debut against the Brumbies two weeks ago and has featured as a replacement in the late stages of both the Reds’ wins this season.

His promotion to the Number 6 jersey has prompted a re-shuffle in the back row, with Adam Korczyk moving back to open side flanker and Liam Wright shifting to the reserves.

The coaches have also made three changes to the reserves, with hooker Andrew Ready getting his first opportunity in the match-day 23 this season, newly signed prop Ruan Smith in line to make his Queensland debut and utility back Ben Lucas named for the first time this season as a replacement scrumhalf.

Smith, who recently joined his twin brother in the Reds’ squad, has 53 Super Rugby caps to his name, but is yet to play for Queensland.

Lucas re-joined the Reds ahead of the 2018 season, after playing the last of his 74 games for Queensland back in 2014. He missed the start of the season due to a minor knee injury, but returned to full fitness with a run in one of Queensland Premier Rugby side Sunnybank’s pre-season trial matches two weeks ago.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “We’ve made some changes to the team, but it’s nothing against any of the guys who have missed out. We’ve got a lot of competition for spots and it’s healthy for the squad. The players who have been selected have earned their opportunities and it will be good to see them make the most of it.

“Angus (Scott-Young) gets his first chance in the starting team this week. He’s earned the right. The same goes for the guys we’ve brought onto the bench. We’ve got some good depth in the forwards. Andrew (Ready) has been working hard, waiting for an opportunity. Ruan (Smith) is another guy who gets his first chance to wear the Reds jersey this year – it will be special for him and his brother to play together for Queensland.

“Benny (Lucas) adds a senior voice and he’s just a fiery competitor. I’m keen to see what he can add to the team.

“It’s a tough old challenge to head to the other side of the world for a game of footy, but the guys have been great this week. They’ve embraced the challenge and made the most of the opportunity to spend this time together. They know there’s a job to be done this weekend. It’s a long way to come for no reward.”

This will be the second time the Reds have faced the Jaguares in Argentina in as many years, after their first meeting in Buenos Aires last season.